Ultimate Cruiser for abroad?

Sobanek

Hey guys, so as some of you have already seen in the Car plans 2013 topic, I'm planning to get myself a car in Poland at around July, simply to have it there and use it if I need it (turns out, your own car is a blessing if you don't live in any major cities...)

I was thinking about buying something nice - a cruiser, preferrably V8 or V12 - definitely not a 4 banger.

Insurance doesn't matter - it shouldn't cost more than €600 on most cars.

(€445 on an E39 540i for example).

I've already been given some recommendation as to what I could buy with €5,000. (Getting this cash in July, so that's why I'm buying the car then).

- Audi A6 C5 2.7T
Example: http://otomoto.pl/C23015615.html

- Audi A8 D2 4.2 V8 Quattro
Example: http://moto.allegro.pl/i2902672327.html

- BMW E39 540iA
Example: http://moto.allegro.pl/i2896264804.html

- BMW E38 750i
Example: http://moto.allegro.pl/i2881832651.html

- Volkswagen Golf MK4 2.8 V6 4Motion
Example: http://moto.allegro.pl/i2889035907.html

- Volkswagen Passat B5 FL (3BG) 2.8 V6 4Motion
Example: http://moto.allegro.pl/i2903370555.html

- Volvo S80
Example: http://moto.allegro.pl/i2889396791.html

So, out of these, which one is the ultimate cruiser? I'm looking for comfort, looks, SPEC, and power.

I'm currently most interested in the BMWs.


PS. If I get a job before July and save about €4,000, I'll be looking at an E39 M5

Alanstrainor

You'd be mad not to include the 740i on that list imo. It's what I would be going for.

Matt Simis

Alanstrainor wrote: »

You'd be mad not to include the 740i on that list imo. It's what I would be going for.

Vs the 750i... he could not longer say he has a "V12 back home". V8s are no big woop. Seriously no they both have their merits, Ive had both engines, like them for different reasons.

OP, if you dont need the size and passenger carrying ability, an 8 series is decked out, similar choice of engines (given the 8 is a coupe version of the 7) but rarer than the 7 and takes to a bit of pimping out real well.
(not mine)

Obviously they arent that low stock, but a car that loves its stance.

Sobanek

Matt Simis wrote: »

Vs the 750i... he could not longer say he has a "V12 back home". V8s are no big woop. Seriously no they both have their merits, Ive had both engines, like them for different reasons.

OP, if you dont need the size and passenger carrying ability, an 8 series is decked out, similar choice of engines (given the 8 is a coupe version of the 7).

http://otomoto.pl/bmw-850-C26560218.html

I would have to fork out about an extra €1k compared to the 740/50i, but then would you say it's worth it?

(That's the cheapest one, and the engine bay looks a bit desperate :P)

MuppetCheck

Just look at it - its worth it!

God Father

If you get that job and raise that extra money this would be a Great cruiser

http://otomoto.pl/porsche-928-s4-320-km-bez-wstydu-C27315765.html

Sobanek

I'll definitely give the E31 a consideration.

- But it is more expensive
- And it does have the M70 not the M73 V12
- And it is impractical

But then it is
- Rare, so it will go up in value eventually
- An 8 Series... Why would you want anything else?
- Sexy as fcuk.
- Sexy as fcuk.
- Sexy as fcuk.
- An 8 Series...

//edit:

Couple more suggestions from an Irish mate:

http://otomoto.pl/mercedes-benz-s-400-sec-380-C5400828.html
http://otomoto.pl/mercedes-benz-cl-500-5-0-320km-ig-a-C25954037.html
http://otomoto.pl/cadillac-fleetwood-brougham-d-elegance-C15575580.html

And me:
http://otomoto.pl/audi-v8-quattrosekwencjahamulce-s6-4-2-C27281615.html
http://otomoto.pl/jaguar-xj8-pilnie-C27132982.html

Matt Simis

Sobanek wrote: »

I'll definitely give the E31 a consideration.

- But it is more expensive
- And it does have the M70 not the M73 V12
- And it is impractical

I wouldnt be overly pushed about the M73 (which is available anyhow on the 850Ci) vs the M70. The M70 is easily tunable (to 340bhp), easier than the M73 and its a tossup to which is more reliable. The M73 has slightly better economy and slightly better BHP base. But there are more aftermarket parts for the M70 (like aggressive cams, Supercharger kits, various Chips etc).


The argument against the V12 is the complexity from a reliability perspective vs the V8. What people miss is the fact the V12 isnt "arbitarilarly more complex". They made it with a built in redundancy mode intelligence, ie if a fuel pump, MAF, ignition coil, sensor etc dies on the V12 models, it simply disables that side of the engine and runs as a straight 6. Which would still be smoother than the V8.
If any of those things fails on a V8 (or any other car), you are screwed.

The other thing for the V12 over the V8 is more peak torque, more midrange, lower RPM to get to torque curve and more torque spread throughout. Yes the BHP isnt miles better, but the V12 blocks were designed for cruisers meaning they have a ton of torque for easy pulling and overtaking. The V12 blocks are also extremely light for a V12 at 240kg fully loaded (or 155kg for long block only, only 20kg heavier than a similarly stripped M60 V8 block).

I tried an 840i once and wasnt impressed, despite on paper being nearly on par with an 850i. Its just not the same.

Sobanek

Looks like everyone shares your opinion, Matt.

It was a BMW 850i vs Merc S600 vs Audi A8 4.2

Matt Simis

Sobanek wrote: »

Looks like everyone shares your opinion, Matt.

It was a BMW 850i vs Merc S600 vs Audi A8 4.2

Lol, as classy as the S600/A8 are, they will never have the crowd pleasing appeal of V12 coupe. The CL600, while considerably newer is a better competitor to the E31. I suspect the W216 (CL) is too expensive there though, they seem to have retained their value everywhere other than UK/IRL (much like the E31).

Sobanek

Matt Simis wrote: »

Lol, as classy as the S600/A8 are, they will never have the crowd pleasing appeal of V12 coupe. The CL600, while considerably newer is a better competitor to the E31. I suspect the W216 (CL) is too expensive there though, they seem to have retained their value everywhere other than UK/IRL (much like the E31).

It's about the same as the 850i, but I still prefer the BMW
http://otomoto.pl/mercedes-benz-cl-600-v12-394km-stan-perfekcyjny-C26606891.html

Alanstrainor

The 8 looks a million times better than the bloody merc! Good god it's hideous!

Sobanek

That's why I'd rather have the 560 SEC. The C140 looks hideous.

But still, I'm in love with the 8er, even though I'll have to fork out an extra €2k. Damn you Matt Simis!

What's it like in terms of ride and comfort? As good as the 7 Series or worse?

Matt Simis

Sobanek wrote: »

That's why I'd rather have the 560 SEC. The C140 looks hideous.

But still, I'm in love with the 8er, even though I'll have to fork out an extra €2k. Damn you Matt Simis!

What's it like in terms of ride and comfort? As good as the 7 Series or worse?

Yeah I was referring to the newer W216, not the W140 you linked, which I too can find nothing pleasing about. When I was looking at Mercs I was thinking either W216 or the W126 (ended up with a W126, 560SEC, which is forsale ) skipping the W140 entirely.

My E31 is the M version (850CSi) so its a bit harsher, but the E31 is comfortable and tall person friendly (so Im told, unlike the newer 6 series). However the rear seats are worthless, surprising considering the length of it. I dont think it would be quite as comfortable as the 7, but close enough. Its the difference in a Grand Tourer (GT) vs a full size Cruiser.

The standard E31s (ie not the CSi) have Electronic Comfort/Sport suspension and generally automatic gearboxes.

Supergurrier

8 series with a V12, someday man

ironclaw

Bit off topic, but is the car for exclusive use in Poland? Just so you know, high end cars attract alot of unwanted attention in Poland. I know at least two people approached by fake 'police' while in high end Merc's and Audi's. Underworld associates it with money and ransom. Unlike here, they won't just take the car. Something to keep in mind!

Sobanek

Yes, exclusive use in Poland.

The town I've lived in for 12 years in Poland is fairly small, so I know all the "bad guys" from there
I don't think an old limousine / grand tourer is much of a high status car either, since there are far more new BMWs like the F10, F01, Touaregs, Q7s etc. than there used to be 5-10 years ago.

The town I lived in is Pruszkow. I think half of Poland knows what it's associated with :P
I don't think anyone would want to touch a black BMW 7er / 8er with WPR plates on

CiniO

Sobanek wrote: »

Yes, exclusive use in Poland.

The town I've lived in for 12 years in Poland is fairly small, so I know all the "bad guys" from there
I don't think an old limousine / grand tourer is much of a high status car either, since there are far more new BMWs like the F10, F01, Touaregs, Q7s etc. than there used to be 5-10 years ago.

The town I lived in is Pruszkow. I think half of Poland knows what it's associated with :P
I don't think anyone would want to touch a black BMW 7er / 8er with WPR plates on

With WPR plates you shouldn't have anything to worry about

CiniO

ironclaw wrote: »

Bit off topic, but is the car for exclusive use in Poland? Just so you know, high end cars attract alot of unwanted attention in Poland. I know at least two people approached by fake 'police' while in high end Merc's and Audi's. Underworld associates it with money and ransom. Unlike here, they won't just take the car. Something to keep in mind!

OP is talking about 5k euro car.
Any brand new fiat panda is worth more than that.
I wouldn't be worried about fake police and ransoms in car worth less than 100k.

CiniO

Sobanek wrote: »

Insurance doesn't matter - it shouldn't cost more than €600 on most cars.

(€445 on an E39 540i for example).

Sounds really expensive.
Is it with full NCB?
If not, and you don't have it, get someone with full NCB to be second owner (registered) and you will get insurance for less than half that price.

Sobanek

CiniO wrote: »

Sounds really expensive.
Is it with full NCB?
If not, and you don't have it, get someone with full NCB to be second owner (registered) and you will get insurance for less than half that price.

Good to know. No, no full NCB I'm afraid. Only 25%